Mobile terminal and call content management method thereof

ABSTRACT

A method for operating a mobile terminal, and which includes performing voice recognition on call content to produce recognized call content, converting the recognized call content into one or more units of character information, registering the one or more units of character information to one or more particular functions of the mobile terminal based on a type of the character information or a field of the character information, inputting a search parameter, searching one of a plurality of file types and identifying a file related to both the search parameter and the one or more registered units of character information, and displaying or automatically executing the identified file.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of co-pending application Ser. No.12/345,214 filed on Dec. 29, 2008, which claims priority to KoreanApplication No. 10-2008-0040502, filed on Apr. 30, 2008. The entirecontents of all of the above applications are hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a correspondingcomputer program product and call content management method capable ofautomatically processing call content in association with a particularfunction of a mobile terminal related to the recognized call content

2. Description of the Related Art

A mobile terminal is a device which may be configured to perform variousfunctions. Examples of such functions include data and voicecommunications, capturing images and video via an image capture device,recording audio data, playing music files via a sound output system, anddisplaying images and video on a display device. Other functions includecalendar management, word processing, email and the like. Some terminalsinclude additional functionality which supports game playing, whileother terminals are configured as multimedia players. More recently,mobile terminals have been configured to receive broadcast and multicastsignals which permit viewing of content such as videos and televisionprograms.

Efforts are ongoing to support and increase the functionality of mobileterminals. Such efforts include software and hardware improvements, aswell as changes and improvements in the structural components which formthe mobile terminal. In terms of design or form factor, a folder type, aslider type, a bar type, or a rotation type design may be applied formobile terminals.

In addition, some related art mobile terminals include a user interfacefor recording call content or user's voice instructions. For example,some related art mobile terminals have a function of making a call inresponse to a user's voice instruction or recording contents of callcommunication and later playing back the same in response to a user'svoice instruction. However, the related art mobile terminal cannotassociate the function related to a call to the various functions of themobile terminal and efficiently use the associated function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to address theabove-noted and other drawbacks.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal,computer program product and a method for managing call content of themobile terminal capable of processing such that the call content isassociated with a relevant particular function of the mobile terminal.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mobileterminal, computer program product and a method for managing callcontent of the mobile terminal capable of converting recognized callcontent into characters and detecting pre-set particular key words toconfigure a database.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mobileterminal, computer program product and a method for managing callcontent of the mobile terminal capable of storing character-convertedcall content by valid words and retrieving and displaying the callcontent.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal,computer program product and a method for managing call content of themobile terminal capable of selectively storing the entire call contentor a portion of call content stored by words as information related to aparticular function of the mobile terminal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal,computer program product and a method for managing call content of themobile terminal capable of configuring information related to aparticular function of the mobile terminal as a database.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal,computer program product and a method for managing call content of themobile terminal capable of automatically detecting information relatedto a particular function of the mobile terminal from recognized callcontent and registering the information as field data of the particularfunction.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, thepresent invention provides in one aspect a method for operating a mobileterminal, and which includes performing voice recognition on callcontent to produce recognized call content, converting the recognizedcall content into one or more units of character information,registering the one or more units of character information to one ormore particular functions of the mobile terminal based on a type of thecharacter information or a field of the character information, inputtinga search parameter, searching one of a plurality of file types andidentifying a file related to both the search parameter and the one ormore registered units of character information, and displaying orautomatically executing the identified file.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a mobile terminalincluding a display, a memory, and a controller operatively connected tothe display and the memory, the controller configured to perform voicerecognition on call content to produce recognized call content, convertthe recognized call content into one or more units of characterinformation, register the one or more units of character information toone or more particular functions of the mobile terminal based on a typeof the character information or a field of the character information,input a search parameter, search one of a plurality of file types andidentifying a file related to both the search parameter and the one ormore registered units of character information, and display orautomatically execute the identified file.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven for exemplary purposes only, since various changes andmodifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereafter and the accompanying drawings,which are given for exemplary purposes only, and thus are not limitativeof the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a mobile terminal according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the mobile terminal according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system operablewith the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for illustrating the process of configuring adatabase with call content recognize by a mobile terminal according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows screen images of configuring a database by recognizing callcontent in the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 shows screen images of updating call content stored in a databaseof the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the process of detecting informationrelated to a particular function of the mobile terminal from recognizedcall content and associating the same in the mobile terminal accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show screen images of displaying a list of functionsrelated to the call content in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a screen image showing automatically calculating a date or atime from call information and call content in the mobile terminalaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows screen images showing inputting of the recognized callcontent or information required for call information to a content fieldof a particular function in the mobile terminal according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows screen images showing inputting of information receivedfrom a user as the information of the particular function in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method for inputting taginformation to multimedia contents generated in the mobile terminalaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a screen image of showing automatically inputting of taginformation in FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 shows screen images of showing manually inputting of the taginformation in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method of associating fieldinformation stored in a particular database to information about adifferent arbitrary function in the mobile terminal according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an exemplary view for showing comparing of common informationstored in a particular data base and registering the same as informationabout a particular function.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating the process of displaying afunction related to information received from a user or a database list,and selectively executing one of them.

FIG. 19 shows screen images of searching and displaying a list offunctions related to a particular search word in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 shows screen images of selecting a list of searched functions inFIG. 19.

FIG. 21 shows screen images of selecting one of the functions displayedin FIG. 18 and displaying related information or executing related lowerfunctions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to some exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 100 according to anembodiment of the present invention. As shown, the mobile terminal 100includes a wireless communication unit 110 having one or more componentswhich permits wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 anda wireless communication system or network within which the mobileterminal is located.

For example, the wireless communication unit 110 includes a broadcastreceiving module 111 that receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcastassociated information from an external broadcast managing entity via abroadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channeland a terrestrial channel.

In addition, the broadcast managing entity generally refers to a systemwhich transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associatedinformation. Examples of broadcast associated information includeinformation associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, abroadcast service provider, etc. For instance, broadcast associatedinformation may include an electronic program guide (EPG) of digitalmultimedia broadcasting (DMB) and electronic service guide (ESG) ofdigital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H).

In addition, the broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcastsignal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, amongothers. The broadcast signal may further include a broadcast signalcombined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast receiving module 111 is also configured to receivebroadcast signals transmitted from various types of broadcast systems.For example, such broadcasting systems include the digital multimediabroadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T) system, the digital multimediabroadcasting-satellite (DMB-S) system, the digital videobroadcast-handheld (DVB-H) system, the data broadcasting system known asmedia forward link only (MediaFLO®) and the integrated services digitalbroadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T) system among others. Receiving multicastsignals is also possible. Further, data received by the broadcastreceiving module 111 may be stored in a suitable device, such as amemory 160.

The wireless communication unit 110 also includes a mobile communicationmodule 112 that transmits/receives wireless signals to/from one or morenetwork entities (e.g., base station, Node-B). Such signals mayrepresent audio, video, multimedia, control signaling, and data, amongothers.

Also included is a wireless Internet module 113 that supports Internetaccess for the mobile terminal. The module 113 may be internally orexternally coupled to the terminal. The wireless communication unit 110also includes a short-range communication module 114 that facilitatesrelatively short-range communications. Suitable technologies forimplementing this module include radio frequency identification (RFID),infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), as well at thenetworking technologies commonly referred to as Bluetooth and ZigBee, toname a few.

A position-location module 115 is also included in the wirelesscommunication unit 110 and identifies or otherwise obtains the locationof the mobile terminal 100. The position-location module 115 may beimplemented using global positioning system (GPS) components whichcooperate with associated satellites, network components, andcombinations thereof.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 100 also includesan Audio/video (NV) input unit 120 that provides audio or video signalsto the mobile terminal 100. As shown, the NV input unit 120 includes acamera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 receives and processesimage frames of still pictures or video.

Further, the microphone 122 receives an external audio signal while theportable device is in a particular mode, such as a phone call mode,recording mode and voice recognition mode. The received audio signal isthen processed and converted into digital data. Also, the portabledevice, and in particular, the NV input unit 120, typically includesassorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in thecourse of receiving the external audio signal. In addition, datagenerated by the A/V input unit 120 may be stored in the memory 160,utilized by an output unit 150, or transmitted via one or more modulesof the communication unit 110. If desired, two or more microphonesand/or cameras may be used.

The mobile terminal 100 also includes a user input unit 130 thatgenerates input data responsive to user manipulation of an associatedinput device or devices. Examples of such devices include a keypad, adome switch, a touchpad (e.g., static pressure/capacitance), a jog wheeland a jog switch. A specific example is one in which the user input unit130 is configured as a touchpad in cooperation with a touch screendisplay, which will be described in more detail below.

A sensing unit 140 is also included in the mobile terminal 100 andprovides status measurements of various aspects of the mobile terminal100. For instance, the sensing unit 140 may detect an open/close statusof the mobile terminal 100, relative positioning of components (e.g., adisplay and keypad) of the mobile terminal 100, a change of position ofthe mobile terminal 100 or a component of the mobile terminal 100, apresence or absence of user contact with the mobile terminal 100,orientation or acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal 100,etc.

As an example, when the mobile terminal 100 is a slide-type mobileterminal, the sensing unit 140 may sense whether a sliding portion ofthe mobile terminal 100 is open or closed. Other examples include thesensing unit 140 sensing the presence or absence of power provided by apower supply 190, the presence or absence of a coupling or otherconnection between an interface unit 170 and an external device, etc.

Further, the interface unit 170 is often implemented to couple themobile terminal 100 with external devices. Typical external devicesinclude wired/wireless headphones, external chargers, power supplies,storage devices configured to store data (e.g., audio, video, pictures,etc.), earphones, and microphones, among others. In addition, theinterface unit 170 may be configured using a wired/wireless data port, acard socket (e.g., for coupling to a memory card and a device with anidentity module), audio input/output ports and video input/output ports.

In this instance, an identity module includes a chip for storing variouskinds of information for identifying or authenticating a use authorityof the terminal 100. And, the identity module can include one of a useridentity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), a universalsubscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. In particular, theidentity module can include a module for identifying or authenticatingan authority for a broadcast purchase and/or a broadcast viewing usingthe terminal 100. And, a device provided with the identity module(hereinafter named ‘identity device’) can be manufactured into a smartcard. Therefore, the identity device can be connected to the terminal100 via an identity device connecting port.

The output unit 150 generally includes various components which supportthe output requirements of the mobile terminal 100. The mobile terminal100 also includes a display 151 that visually displays informationassociated with the mobile terminal 100. For instance, if the mobileterminal 100 is operating in a phone call mode, the display 151 willgenerally provide a user interface or graphical user interface whichincludes information associated with placing, conducting, andterminating a phone call. As another example, if the mobile terminal 100is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the display 151 mayadditionally or alternatively display images which are associated withthese modes.

Further, the display 151 also preferably includes a touch screen workingin cooperation with an input device, such as a touchpad. Thisconfiguration permits the display 151 to function both as an outputdevice and an input device. In addition, the display 151 may beimplemented using display technologies including, for example, a liquidcrystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display(TFT-LCD), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), a flexibledisplay and a three-dimensional display.

The mobile terminal 100 may also include one or more of such displays.An example of a two-display embodiment is one in which one display isconfigured as an internal display (viewable when the terminal is in anopened position) and a second display configured as an external display(viewable in both the open and closed positions).

FIG. 1 further shows the output unit 150 having an audio output module152 which supports the audio output requirements of the mobile terminal100. The audio output module 152 is often implemented using one or morespeakers, buzzers, other audio producing devices, and combinationsthereof.

Further, the audio output module 152 functions in various modesincluding a call-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode,a voice recognition mode and a broadcast reception mode. Duringoperation, the audio output module 152 outputs audio relating to aparticular function (e.g., call received, message received, and errors).

In addition, the output unit 150 is further shown having an alarm 153,which is used to signal or otherwise identify the occurrence of aparticular event associated with the mobile terminal 100. Typical eventsinclude a call received, a message received and user input received. Anexample of such output includes the providing of tactile sensations(e.g., vibration) to a user. For instance, the alarm 153 may beconfigured to vibrate responsive to the mobile terminal 100 receiving acall or message.

As another example, a vibration is provided by the alarm 153 responsiveto receiving user input at the mobile terminal 100, thus providing atactile feedback mechanism. Further, the various outputs provided by thecomponents of the output unit 150 may be separately performed, or suchoutput may be performed using any combination of such components.

In addition, the memory 160 is generally used to store various types ofdata to support the processing, control, and storage requirements of themobile terminal 100. Examples of such data include program instructionsfor applications operating on the mobile terminal 100, call history,contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, video, etc.

Further, the memory 160 shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented using anytype or combination of suitable volatile and non-volatile memory orstorage devices including random access memory (RAM), static randomaccess memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magneticmemory, flash memory, magnetic or optical disk, card-type memory, orother similar memory or data storage device.

The terminal 100 also includes a controller 180 that typically controlsthe overall operations of the mobile terminal 100. For instance, thecontroller 180 performs the control and processing associated with voicecalls, data communications, instant message communications, video calls,camera operations and recording operations. As shown in FIG. 1, thecontroller 180 may also include a multimedia module 181 for providingmultimedia playback functions. The multimedia module 181 may beconfigured as part of the controller 180, or may be implemented as aseparate component.

In addition, a power supply 190 provides power used by the variouscomponents for the portable device. The provided power may be internalpower, external power, or combinations thereof.

Next, FIG. 2A is a front side view of the mobile terminal 100 accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, themobile terminal 100 includes a first body 200 configured to slideablycooperate with a second body 205. The user input unit 130 described inFIG. 1 may include a first input unit such as function keys 210, asecond input unit such as a keypad 215, and a third input unit such asside keys 245.

The function keys 210 are associated with the first body 200, and thekeypad 215 is associated with the second body 205. The keypad 215includes various keys (e.g., numbers, characters, and symbols) to enablea user to place a call, prepare a text or multimedia message, andotherwise operate the mobile terminal 100.

In addition, the first body 200 slides relative to the second body 205between open and closed positions. In a closed position, the first body200 is positioned over the second body 205 in such a manner that thekeypad 215 is substantially or completely obscured by the first body200. In the open position, user access to the keypad 215, as well as thedisplay 151 and function keys 210, is possible. The function keys 210are convenient to a user for entering commands such as start, stop andscroll commands.

Further, the mobile terminal 100 is operable in either a standby mode(e.g., able to receive a call or message, receive and respond to networkcontrol signaling), or an active call mode. Typically, the mobileterminal 100 functions in a standby mode when in the closed position,and an active mode when in the open position. However, the modeconfiguration may be changed as required or desired.

In addition, the first body 200 is formed from a first case 220 and asecond case 225, and the second body 205 is formed from a first case 230and a second case 235. The first and second cases are preferably formedfrom a suitably ridge material such as injection molded plastic, orformed using metallic material such as stainless steel (STS) andtitanium (Ti).

If desired, one or more intermediate cases may be provided between thefirst and second cases of one or both of the first and second bodies 200and 205. In addition, the first and second bodies 200 and 205 aretypically sized to receive electronic components used to support theoperation of the mobile terminal 100.

Also, the first body 200 includes the camera 121 and the audio outputunit 152, which is configured as a speaker, positioned relative to thedisplay 151. The camera 121 may also be constructed in such a mannerthat it can be selectively positioned (e.g., rotated, swiveled, etc.)relative to the first body 200.

Further, the function keys 210 are positioned adjacent to a lower sideof the display 151. As discussed above, the display 151 can beimplemented as an LCD or OLED. The display 151 may also be configured asa touch screen having an underlying touchpad which generates signalsresponsive to user contact (e.g., finger, stylus, etc.) with the touchscreen.

Also, the second body 205 includes the microphone 122 positionedadjacent to the keypad 215, and side keys 245, which are one type of auser input unit, positioned along the side of the second body 205.Preferably, the side keys 245 are configured as hot keys, such that theside keys 245 are associated with a particular function of the mobileterminal 100. As shown, the interface unit 170 is positioned adjacent tothe side keys 245, and the power supply 190 in a form of a battery islocated on a lower portion of the second body 205.

FIG. 3 is a rear side view of the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 2A.As shown in FIG. 2B, the second body 205 includes the camera 121, and anassociated flash 250 and mirror 255. The flash 250 operates inconjunction with the camera 121 of the second body 205, and the mirror255 is useful for assisting a user to position the camera 121 in aself-portrait mode. In addition, the camera 121 of the second body 205faces a direction which is opposite to a direction faced by the camera121 of the first body 200 shown in FIG. 2.

In addition, each of the cameras 121 of the first and second bodies 200and 205 may have the same or different capabilities. For example, in oneembodiment, the camera 121 of the first body 200 operates with arelatively lower resolution than the camera 121 of the second body 205.Such an arrangement works well during a video conference call, forexample, in which reverse link bandwidth capabilities may be limited.Further, the relatively higher resolution of the camera 121 of thesecond body 205 (FIG. 2B) is useful for obtaining higher qualitypictures for later use.

The second body 205 also includes the audio output module 152 configuredas a speaker, and which is located on an upper side of the second body205. The audio output modules of the first and second bodies 200 and 205may also cooperate together to provide stereo output. Moreover, eitheror both of these audio output modules may be configured to operate as aspeakerphone.

The terminal 100 also includes a broadcast signal receiving antenna 260located at an upper end of the second body 205. The antenna 260functions in cooperation with the broadcast receiving module 111 (FIG.1). If desired, the antenna 260 may be fixed or configured to retractinto the second body 205. Further, the rear side of the first body 200includes a slide module 265, which slideably couples with acorresponding slide module located on the front side of the second body205.

In addition, the illustrated arrangement of the various components ofthe first and second bodies 200 and 205 may be modified as required ordesired. In general, some or all of the components of one body mayalternatively be implemented on the other body. Further, the locationand relative positioning of such components may be positioned atlocations which differ from those shown by the representative figures.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are diagrams for depicting how an identity device isdetachably loaded in a terminal according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. In this case, the identity device can include a SIMcard.

Referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the identity device 310 is detachablyprovided to the terminal 100. Therefore, an old identity device can bereplaced by a new identity device in the terminal 100. The identitydevice 310 can be loaded in the terminal 100 by being assembled to theinterface unit 170. Alternatively, the identity device 310 can be loadedin the terminal 100 by being connected with a connector separatelyprovided for the assembly to the identity device 310.

Besides, a connecting mechanism for connecting the identity device 310and the terminal 100 together can be provided to any part of theterminal 100 such a backside, a lateral side, a front side and the likethereof.

In addition, the mobile terminal 100 of FIGS. 1-3 may be configured tooperate within a communication system which transmits data via frames orpackets, including both wireless and wireline communication systems, andsatellite-based communication systems. Such communication systemsutilize different air interfaces and/or physical layers.

Examples of such air interfaces utilized by the communication systemsinclude, for example, frequency division multiple access (FDMA), timedivision multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA),and universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), the long termevolution (LTE) of the UMTS, and the global system for mobilecommunications (GSM). By way of a non-limiting example only, furtherdescription will relate to a CDMA communication system, but suchteachings apply equally to other system types.

Next, FIG. 4 illustrates a CDMA wireless communication system having aplurality of mobile terminals 100, a plurality of base stations 270, aplurality of base station controllers (BSCs) 275, and a mobile switchingcenter (MSC) 280.

The MSC 280 is configured to interface with a public switch telephonenetwork (PSTN) 290, and the MSC 280 is also configured to interface withthe BSCs 275. Further, the BSCs 275 are coupled to the base stations 270via backhaul lines. In addition, the backhaul lines may be configured inaccordance with any of several interfaces including, for example, E1/T1,ATM, IP, PPP, Frame Relay, HDSL, ADSL, or xDSL. Further, the system mayinclude more than two BSCs 275.

Also, each base station 270 may include one or more sectors, each sectorhaving an omnidirectional antenna or an antenna pointed in a particulardirection radially away from the base station 270. Alternatively, eachsector may include two antennas for diversity reception. In addition,each base station 270 may be configured to support a plurality offrequency assignments, with each frequency assignment having aparticular spectrum (e.g., 1.25 MHz, 5 MHz).

The intersection of a sector and frequency assignment may be referred toas a CDMA channel. The base stations 270 may also be referred to as basestation transceiver subsystems (BTSs). In some instances, the term “basestation” may be used to refer collectively to a BSC 275, and one or morebase stations 270.

The base stations 270 may also be denoted as “cell sites.”Alternatively, individual sectors of a given base station 270 may bereferred to as cell sites. Further, a terrestrial digital multimediabroadcasting (DMB) transmitter 295 is shown broadcasting to mobileterminals 100 operating within the system.

In addition, the broadcast receiving module 111 (FIG. 1) of the mobileterminal 100 is typically configured to receive broadcast signalstransmitted by the DMB transmitter 295. Similar arrangements may beimplemented for other types of broadcast and multicast signaling asdiscussed above.

FIG. 4 further illustrates several global positioning system (GPS)satellites 300. Such satellites facilitate locating the position of someor all of the mobile terminals 100. In FIG. 4, two satellites are shown,but positioning information may be obtained with greater or fewersatellites.

In addition, the position-location module 115 (FIG. 1) of the mobileterminal 100 is typically configured to cooperate with the satellites300 to obtain desired position information. However, other types ofposition detection technology, such as location technology that may beused in addition to or instead of GPS location technology, mayalternatively be implemented. Some or all of the GPS satellites 300 mayalternatively or additionally be configured to provide satellite DMBtransmissions.

Further, during typical operation of the wireless communication system,the base stations 270 receive sets of reverse-link signals from variousmobile terminals 100. The mobile terminals 100 engage in calls,messaging, and other communications.

In addition, each reverse-link signal received by a given base station270 is processed within that base station 270, and the resulting data isforwarded to an associated BSC 275. The BSC 275 provides call resourceallocation and mobility management functionality including soft handoffsbetween the base stations 270.

Further, the BSCs 275 also route the received data to the MSC 280, whichprovides additional routing services for interfacing with the PSTN 290.Similarly, the PSTN interfaces with the MSC 280, and the MSC 280interfaces with the BSCs 275. The BSCs 275 also control the basestations 270 to transmit sets of forward-link signals to the mobileterminals 100.

In the following description, a control method applicable to theabove-configured mobile terminal 100 is explained with respect tovarious embodiments. However, the following embodiments can beimplemented independently or through combinations thereof. In addition,in the following description, it is assumed that the display 151includes a touch screen.

The following description focuses on how the contents of a voice callare processed. Voice recognition needs to be performed, and many typesof algorithms and techniques for recognizing voice commands may be used.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for illustrating an exemplary process ofconfiguring a database with call content recognized by a mobile terminalaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, when acall connection is made (S101), the controller 180 of the mobileterminal recognizes call content according to a particular voicerecognition algorithm (S102) and converts the recognized call contentinto characters (S103).

The controller 180 then classifies the converted characters into certainunits of information (S104). The units of information may refer to wordsor syllable information. The call content may be recognized by selectingthe voice of a user, the voice of another party, and one of all thevoices of the user and another party.

The controller 180 determines the validity (or significance) of theclassified certain units of information, and deletes information havingrelatively low validity (or significance). In other words, thecontroller 180 detects only information with high validity (orsignificance) and configures a database (or other storage format)(S105). Here, the controller 180 may link the units of information withhigh validity (or significance) to call information. The controller 180then stores the linked information in a database in the memory 160 (orother storage medium).

Further, the validity (or significance) is information where the meaningof call content may be determined. For example, in terms of grammar,nouns (e.g., yesterday, today, birthday, family, meal, day) and verbs(e.g., meet, eat, see) are considered to have high validity, whileadjectives, auxiliary words (prepositions, etc), relatives,conjunctions, or the like, are considered to have low validity.Semantically, information regarding dates, information regarding time,information regarding areas, and information regarding operations (oractivities) are considered to have high validity.

The call information may also include at least one of a date and time ofa call, a phone number of the other party, information (e.g., name)about people or items registered in a phone book, location informationof a user and location information of another party, and the like. Inaddition, the location information may be detected by the terminalitself by using a GPS (Global Positioning Service) antenna or may bereceived from a mobile communication system. The location informationmay be displayed in a coordinate format (e.g., 37° 33′ 49″ northlatitude, and 126° 59′ 50″ east longitude) or in an address format(e.g., Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul or 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue,Washington D.C.).

Next, FIG. 6 shows some exemplary screen images of configuring adatabase by recognizing call content in the mobile terminal according toan embodiment of the present invention. The mobile terminal calls aparticular person (e.g., friend 1) selected by the user (410), and whenthe call is connected to the particular person, voice call communicationbegins (420).

When the call is connected with the person, the controller 180recognizes the call content (i.e., the words spoken between the parties)according to a particular instruction received before the call or duringcall communication.

The particular instruction may be received by user manipulation, such asa key input, a touch input, a voice input or other user command.

Then, the controller 180 converts the recognized call content intocharacters (i.e., letters, words, text, etc.) and classifies them intocertain units of information. The controller 180 may then detectinformation of high validity and configure such into a database or maydisplay such items (432). The controller 180 may display callinformation 431 and may configure the database by adding the callinformation thereto.

The call content and the corresponding call information may be displayedin real time, namely, as the call is in progress (430). In addition,after the call is terminated, when a call list is searched, the callcontent and the call information may be displayed to the user. In thisinstance, the controller 180 may divide the screen region of the displayunit 151 to display the call content and the call information,respectively.

In the call content that is displayed in real time, only the units ofinformation with high validity are detected and stored as characterinformation in order to minimize the amount of memory capacity used instoring the call content.

FIG. 7 shows some exemplary screen images associated with updating callcontent stored in a database of the mobile terminal according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Voice recognition may not be precise due to variations in user voicecharacteristics (e.g., pronunciation, intonation, etc.). Thus, the voicerecognition software (or program) of the mobile terminal may need tolearn the particular characteristics of the user through trial-and-errorsessions, through training modes that ask the user to repeat certainwords until recognition is possible, and other techniques. For example,if the user says the word ‘date’, but the voice recognition softwareinaccurately recognizes such word as being ‘data’, the user may interactwith the voice recognition software to make any necessary correctionssuch that the voice input word ‘date’ can be recognized properly in thefuture.

As shown in FIG. 7, when a call list is searched and a particular callis selected by the user, the controller 180 displays the call content442 and call information 441 on the screen(s). By viewing the callcontent 442, the user can select any erroneous information (or words)being displayed. The erroneous information may be selected by the userthrough touch inputs, key inputs, voice inputs, or the like (440).

When an erroneous word is selected, the controller 180 displaysinformation 451 (i.e., other words, phrases, etc.) that have a similarpronunciation to that of the selected erroneous word (450). For example,if ‘data’ is selected as being an erroneous word, the controller 180displays alternative words (such as ‘date’ and ‘day’) that can be viewedand selected by the user. The displaying of such alternative words maybe performed in a pop-up window (that is semi-transparent, opaque,etc.), shown on a different screen, or in some other display format.Here, the alternative words may be displayed in a particular rankingorder in a list. Such ranking order may be determined by the voicerecognition software based upon prior word usage history, based upon thecontext of the other words, or by some other criteria. Candidate wordshaving higher probability of accuracy may be displayed at the top of thelist to facilitate user selection.

After a plurality of information items (i.e., words, phrases, etc.) aredisplayed, the controller 180 detects the user selection (made via touchinput, key input, voice input, etc.), then updates the database 461 withthe selected information, and displays the updated (or corrected) callcontent (460).

The mobile terminal may include a database for storing the call contentand also a database for storing pronunciation information for voicerecognition and corresponding character information. The updatedcharacter information can be used as a basis for more accuraterecognition of future user voice inputs so as to improve the voicerecognition accuracy of the voice recognition software (program oralgorithm).

In addition, if a particular word or phrase is frequently corrected,such frequency of correction (or updating) can also be tracked andstored. Accordingly, such words, phrases, etc. that are updated (orcorrected) often can be shown at the top of a list to be displayed tothe user for easy selection thereof. Also, multiple types ofpronunciations (462) for a single word (or phrase) can stored such thatvariations in pronunciation by the same user or by different users canbe more accurately recognized.

Also, updating or correction of the call content may be performed inreal time while the user views the screen during call communication, inparticular, during a video call or a headset call that allows the userto view the screen and use his hands to select words or phrases thatrequire correction.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may selectively process (e.g., delete,add, edit, etc.) certain information (words, phrases, etc.) displayed asthe call content. In doing so, the controller 180 may displayinstructions to the user for processing the selected information (words,phrases, etc.).

FIG. 8 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating the process of detectinginformation related to a particular function of the mobile terminal fromrecognized call content and associating the same in the mobile terminalaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

Call content and call information of a particular call recognized by themobile terminal may be selectively displayed, with the user executing aparticular function provided in the mobile terminal. For example, theparticular function may be related to a scheduler or calendar, a to-dolist, a memo option, a wake-up call, alarm functions, and the like.

Types of information detected from the call content and call informationmay vary according to the selected particular function, namely,depending upon the type of an information field that can be inputted tothe selected particular function. The types of information may beclassified according to their meanings or type, such as informationregarding a date (e.g., day of the week information, weekly information,etc.), information regarding time (e.g., current time, AM-PM, etc.),information regarding a place (e.g., location name, subway stations, busstops, etc.), and information regarding an operation or activity (e.g.,meal appointments, photographing, exercise, sight seeing, events, etc.).

The following passages describe a process of retrieving fieldinformation related to a particular function of the mobile terminal fromthe call content or call information and associating it to theparticular function, when information regarding the particular functionis executed. When the controller 180 recognizes the call content of eachcall, the controller 180 classifies the call content into certain unitsof valid information and compiles such information into a database.

When a particular call item is selected from a call list by the user,the controller 180 displays call information and call content withrespect to the selected call item and particular functions (or menus)for using the information (i.e., the call information and the callcontent) on the display screen(s) (S201 to S204).

The particular functions (or menus) may be displayed as icons (510) asshown in FIG. 9A, may be displayed as a menu list (520) as shown in FIG.9B, or may be automatically displayed when the information regarding theselected call items are outputted (510).

In addition, when a menu call key is activated by the user, the menu ofthe functions may be displayed (520). When one of the displayedparticular functions is selected, the controller 180 executes theselected function and displays a function execution screen image (S205).When the selected function is executed, the controller 180 may dividethe display unit 151 into a plurality of display regions to display thefunction execution screen image at one display region and information(e.g., the call information and call content information) that may bereferred to for the executed function at another display region (S206).

The controller 180 may also detect the types of information related tothe selected particular function from the call information and the callcontent (S207), and automatically input the respective detectedinformation to corresponding information fields of the executed function(S208).

In this instance, if there is an information field regarding the dateand time among the information fields related to the particularfunction, the controller 180 may calculate a past or future date andtime based upon the current date and time information from the callinformation. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, if today is ‘Feb. 20,2008, Wednesday’, the controller 180 may automatically calculateyesterday as ‘Feb. 19, 2008, Tuesday’, and next Saturday as ‘Mar. 1,2008, Saturday’.

If the call content includes a plurality of information related to time,the controller 180 may set time information related to ‘future’ eventsto have a higher priority level than that of time information related to‘past’ events. If the call content includes a plurality of timeinformation related to ‘future’ events, the controller 180 may set thetime information that appears the latest among the call contents suchthat it has a higher priority level. In addition, the controller 180 mayset the same time information that has been mentioned often to have ahigher priority level than that which has been mentioned less often. Inthis manner, time information having the highest priority level isautomatically inputted as the field information of the executed functionaccording to the set priority level.

If the information related to the particular function includesinformation, among the displayed call information and call contents,that cannot be automatically inputted, information that has beenclassified into certain units may be received by the controller 180 uponselection by the user via an on-screen drag-and-drop technique (or someother user selection option), and such information may be inserted intoa particular information field.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the ‘name information’ of a peer (oropposing party) may be selected from the call information and the ‘placeinformation’ (or name of a place) may be selected from the call contentand then inserted into the content field of the function executionscreen image by using a drag-and-drop technique. In addition, thecontroller 180 may receive information which is not present in the callinformation or call content from the user via a touch, key or voiceinput, and input the same to a particular information field.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the word ‘appointment’ may be receivedvia touch inputting, key/button entering or voice commands from the userand entered into the content field of the function execution screenimage.

Thus far, the method of retrieving information related to an executedparticular function of the mobile terminal from the database storing thecall content or the call information and inputting the same to thecorresponding information field of the particular function when theparticular function is executed, has been described.

A method for associating the above-described call content and callinformation to a function related to multimedia data (such as images orvideos) will now be described.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for inputtingtag information to multimedia contents generated in the mobile terminalaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

The process may begin when the user executes a multimedia function of amobile terminal to generate and store multimedia contents at aparticular time (e.g., Mar. 1, 2008, 10:30 p.m.) and at a particularplace (Kangnam subway station) (S301). For example, the user is at acertain location (a subway station) with his mobile phone and decides tooperate a multimedia function (such as recording a video clip) on hismobile phone (that also knows the date and time of when the multimediafunction is operated).

The controller 180 may automatically set a file name (or other type oflabel) with respect to the generated multimedia contents, and execute atag information input (or edit) function with respect to the multimediacontents (S302). The tag information input (or edit) function may beautomatically executed simultaneously when the multimedia contents arestored, or may be executed according to a user instruction.

Apart from the file name, the tag information refers to information formanaging multimedia contents and can be set to allow the user tointuitively recognize the contents or allow easy searching thereof. Forexample, the tag information may include a location (or place) namewhere the contents are generated or the name of person(s) or object(s)included in the contents.

When the tag information input (or edit) function is executed, thecontroller 180 divides the screen of the display unit 151 to display amultimedia contents window (screen image) 611 at one region and a taginformation input window (screen image) 612 at another region.

As shown in FIG. 14, the controller 180 may automatically input fieldinformation (e.g., date, time, place) set as default in the taginformation input window 612. This can be referred to as a so-calledauto-tagging feature. Also, additional information may be received fromthe user via key or touch inputting, via voice commands, or other inputmethods and techniques (S303). In this instance, the controller 180 mayoutput a sound or a text guidance message to allow the user to input taginformation 621.

An exemplary method of inputting tag information according to voicecommands will now be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, it isassumed that the user says a particular phrase (With Mr. Na Jung-yo atKangnam station') into the mobile terminal. Then, as described above,the controller 180 detect certain units of information (e.g., Kangnamstation/Na Jung-yo) with a high validity from the inputted voiceaccording to the voice recognition algorithm (or software) and inputsthe same as tag information 630.

In addition, the controller 180 compiles the information about themultimedia contents into a database and manages the compiledinformation. For example, the controller 180 configures a database towhich the multimedia contents file, the file name, and the taginformation correspond (S304). The information stored in the databasemay be associated with information of a different function.

The method of associating to information of a different function withreference to the field information stored in the database will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 16.

The controller 180 checks whether there is common information withreference to a database 641 that contains the multimedia contentsinformation, a database 642 that contains the call information and thecall content, a database 643 that contains phone book information, and adatabase 644 that contains information related to a particular functionsuch as a scheduler or memo notation (S401). For example, as shown inFIG. 17, the name of a person (e.g., Na Jung-yo) and an image capturelocation (e.g., Kangnam station) included in the multimedia contents maybe common information of each database.

With the presence of the common information in each database, thecontroller 180 searches a function available for storing such multimediacontents information (S402). Namely, the controller 180 automaticallyregisters the generated multimedia contents to a function including thecommon information among functions having a registration field of themultimedia contents information (S403, S404). The function having thefield for registering the multimedia contents information may include aphone book function, a schedule function, a memo notation function, anda to-do function.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the controller 180 adds the generatedmultimedia contents as field information with respect to a schedule itemin which the name (Na Jung-yo) of the person is commonly included on theschedule list 650. Thus, as the function has more common information(e.g., date, time, place, name, activity), it may register moreaccurately the multimedia contents as information of the correspondingfunction. Also as shown in FIG. 17, it is possible to scroll betweenvarious files/functions using displayed scroll arrows or other scrollingtechniques.

In this embodiment, the multimedia contents are registered only to theschedule function, but without being limited thereto, the multimediacontents may be registered to every other function (e.g., phone book,memory, to-do functions), to a function having a field to which eachinformation may be registered, or to a database. Namely, the sameinformation of various types (e.g., multimedia contents information,call information, schedule information, to-do information, memoinformation) may be associated to various functions so as to be used.

Thus, by using particular information (e.g., keywords) known by theuser, the user can easily search for various functions related to theinformation or various databases in which the information has beenregistered.

An exemplary method for searching and executing a function in whichparticular information has been registered or a method for searching anddisplaying a database in which particular information has beenregistered will now be described with reference to FIG. 18. In moredetail, FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process ofdisplaying a function related to information received from the user or adatabase list, and selectively executing one of them.

Here, the process assumes that the voice-recognized call content or callinformation has been classified and registered to a function accordingto a type of information or a database, together with other relatedinformation.

The controller 180 executes a search function according to aninstruction inputted from the user (S501), and receives information (ora search word) related to the function to be searched (S502). The searchfunction does not refer to searching for particular informationregistered in a particular function (or database), but refers tosearching for a function related to the particular information receivedfrom the user.

Upon execution of the search function, the controller 180 searches forthe particular functions related to the information received from theuser and displays a corresponding function list (S503).

For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the user executes the informationsearch function and inputs particular words corresponding to locationinformation (e.g., Kangnam Station) as a search parameter via aparticular screen (710). The controller 180 performs a search anddisplays a screen (720) that includes a list of functions (e.g.,schedule, memo, video, character, call, etc.) related to the search word(i.e., location information).

The search word (e.g., location information) may be entered by using keyinputting, touch inputting, voice commands, or other input method andtechniques. The controller 180 may also output (in a visual, audible,and/or tactile manner) a request message (or other indication)requesting the user to enter the search word or a guidance message (orother indication) regarding the start of searching for functions relatedto the inputted search word.

The number of related information may be displayed on each list offunctions (721), and the functions on each list may be sorted by date(or other criteria) and displayed (722). In this instance, the list offunctions of the date selected by the user may be displayed in a largermanner than other function lists of different dates, and may bepositioned at the center of the screen to thus allow more convenientviewing for the user (723).

As shown in FIG. 20, the user may select a list of functions displayedby date (using voice commands, key or touch inputs, etc.) and thecontroller 180 shifts (moves) the selected list to the center of thescreen and displays it in a magnified size or some other distinguishablemanner (e.g., using various colors, indicators, and the like). Also,when a function item is selected from the displayed list of functions(or from a database) (S504), the controller 180 executes the selectedfunction and display the executed screen image (S505).

For example, assuming that ‘call function’ is selected from the functionlist related to location information (e.g., Kangnam Station) (741). Thecontroller 180 displays a call list having call content including‘Kangnam Station’. When one call item is selected by the user from thecall list (742), the controller 180 may display detailed information(e.g., call information or call content) with respect to the call item,and also, the user may select a different function (e.g., messagetransmission or call connection) associated to the call item and thenexecute the different function.

As so far described, the process of recognizing the user's voicecommands (or inputs) and converting such into certain units of validcharacter information when tag information with respect to call contentor particular contents are inputted via voice commands, the process ofassociating particular functions and information by registering theparticular functions related to the call content or contents by usingcertain units of character information, and the process of searching andexecuting the functions associated to the particular information havebeen described in various embodiments.

The mobile terminal and corresponding call content management method canautomatically process call contents in association with a particularfunction of the mobile terminal related to the recognized call contents.The mobile terminal includes a controller that provides control toconvert voice-recognized call content into certain units of validcharacter information, to detect the converted call content andinformation related to a particular function of the mobile terminal or adatabase from the call information related to the call, and to registerthe detected information as field information. There is also a displayunit that displays the certain units of valid character informationwhich has been converted from the voice-recognized call content and thecall information related to the call under the control of thecontroller, and a memory that stores the call content, the callinformation, and the information related to the particular function ofthe mobile terminal of each database.

The mobile phone of the present invention can perform voice indexingupon analyzing user voice commands or other verbal inputs by using voicerecognition software that converts particular words and phrases intotext that is stored and displayed to the user. Upon viewing thedisplayed text, the user can then perform various editing andmanipulation functions, such as word-phrase corrections, deletions,additions and the like via touch input commands. Also, various featuresof the mobile phone (such as a scheduler, a memo function, alarmsettings, etc.) can be associated with the displayed words and phrases.The graphical user interface (GUI) with multiple windows, pop-upscreens, convenient menu lists, auto-tagging feature and intuitive iconsallow convenient user interaction with the displayed words and phrasestogether with the various features of the mobile phone such that auser-friendly interface is achieved.

In addition, the above various embodiments may be implemented in acomputer-readable medium using, for example, computer software,hardware, or some combination thereof.

For a hardware implementation, the embodiments described above may beimplemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits(ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processingdevices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers,microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform thefunctions described herein, or a selective combination thereof.

For a software implementation, the embodiments described herein may beimplemented with separate software modules, such as procedures andfunctions, each of which perform one or more of the functions andoperations described herein. The software codes can be implemented witha software application written in any suitable programming language andmay be stored in memory (for example, the memory 160), and executed by acontroller or processor (for example, the controller 180).

In addition, the mobile terminal 100 may be implemented in a variety ofdifferent configurations. Examples of such configurations include afolder-type, slide-type, bar-type, rotational-type, swing-type andcombinations thereof. Further, the embodiments of the present inventionare applicable to a various types of terminals. Examples of suchterminals include mobile phones, user equipment, smart phones, DTV,computers, digital broadcast terminals, personal digital assistants,portable multimedia players (PMP) and navigators.

As the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in several forms withoutdeparting from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understoodthat the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of thedetails of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, butrather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in theappended claims. Therefore, various changes and modifications that fallwithin the scope of the claims, or equivalents of such scope aretherefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

1. A method for operating a mobile terminal, the method comprising:presenting help information prompting a voice input requesting anexecution of a search function for functions of the mobile terminal;displaying a list of function items for the mobile terminal in responseto a receipt of the voice input requesting the execution of the searchfunction for the functions of the mobile terminal; displaying detailedinformation related to a function item when the function item isselected from the list of function items based on a user input; andexecuting the function item in response to a receipt of a voice commandbased on at least a part of the detailed information.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the list of function items comprises a plurality ofmenus or functions of the mobile terminal.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the plurality of menus or functions comprise at least one of aschedule, memo, video, character, or call menu or function.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the displaying the list of function items isperformed based on at least one criterion.
 5. The method of claim 4,wherein the at least one criterion comprises a date.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the detailed information comprises a portion of callcontent prerecorded by the mobile terminal.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the voice input comprises at least one word included in callcontent prerecorded by the mobile terminal.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the call content comprises at least one of incoming call contentor outgoing call content.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the callcontent is stored in a database comprising data linked to the list offunction items.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the voice input isrelated to information regarding time, a place, or an activity.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the activity comprises at least one of ameal appointment, photographing, exercise, sight seeing, or event.
 12. Amobile terminal, comprising: a display; a memory; and a controlleroperatively connected to the display and the memory, the controllerconfigured to present help information prompting a voice inputrequesting an execution of a search function for functions of the mobileterminal; display a list of function items for the mobile terminal inresponse to a receipt of the voice input requesting the execution of thesearch function for the functions of the mobile terminal; displaydetailed information related to a function item when the function itemis selected from the list of function items based on a user input; andexecute the function item in response to a receipt of a voice commandbased on at least a part of the detailed information.
 13. The mobileterminal of claim 12, wherein the list of function items comprises aplurality of menus or functions of the mobile terminal.
 14. The mobileterminal of claim 13, wherein the plurality of menus or functionscomprise at least one of a schedule, memo, video, character, or callmenu or function.
 15. The mobile terminal of claim 12, wherein the listof function items is displayed based on at least one criterion.
 16. Themobile terminal of claim 12, wherein the voice input comprises at leastone word included in call content prerecorded by the mobile terminal.17. The mobile terminal of claim 16, wherein the call content comprisesat least one of incoming call content or outgoing call content.
 18. Themobile terminal of claim 16, wherein the call content is stored in adatabase comprising data linked to the list of function items.
 19. Themobile terminal of claim 12, wherein the voice input is related toinformation regarding time, a place, or an activity.
 20. The mobileterminal of claim 19, wherein the activity comprises at least one of ameal appointment, photographing, exercise, sight seeing, or event.